Vice Principal's Report

As we continue to work remotely in term three, it has been evident that the students are working to the best of their ability in these times. We acknowledge that this experience is different for all but what I also must acknowledge is the tremendous amount of work and care that all staff have provided the students and when needed, the parents. This is what a community is about and certainly one that I am very proud to be part of leading the 10-12 Campus.

As we approach the end of term three we are all awaiting the next announcement from the Victorian Government. What is known is that Padua will continue to provide outstanding educational opportunities and experiences for all our students. Certainly the preference for all members of our community is to have the classrooms filled with students, noise in the playground, traffic queues on Oakbank Road and to see the uniform that has been sitting neatly in the cupboard on the backs of all students.

The 2021 School Captain nominations are now open for our current Year 11 students. This information has been emailed to all students and I encourage you to discuss this with your child. Applications close on Friday 11 September at 4pm. From here the shortlisting from the written application will commence with all students who apply being spoken with on the outcome of their application. Those shortlisted will have the holiday period to prepare their speech to the year level in early term four. Once the speeches have been delivered and voting has been completed, successful students as indicated by the voting process than move into the final stage of the process which is a formal interview with Mr Banks and his elected panel. Good luck to all the students and also to you as parents in supporting your child during this exciting time. The 2021 School Captains will be announced at the College assembly in term 4 as part of celebrating the graduation of the 2020 Year 12 cohort. Further opportunities for student leadership will arise next year for all 2021 Year 10-12 students via their House appointed leaders. This will involve a similar process to the College Captains and will be conveyed to all students at the appropriate time.

Finally I wish to acknowledge the students who are using their time effectively in class and during study periods. It is this overwhelming majority that continue to hold Padua in such esteem by the local and wider community. The staff truly value the dedication of these students and encourage those who are not yet working at the required standard to ensure their behaviour does not impact that of other students. I encourage all parents to discuss with their child the required behaviour standards as a matter of respect for the students and staff that are invested in providing an environment that best supports all students’ education.

As always I encourage parents to continue to be active members of the Padua community, engaging in conversation about what topics are being studied in class, keeping abreast of upcoming events and making contact with subject teachers as needed.

Curtis Stone
Vice Principal
Head of 10-12 Campus, Mornington

Monash Young Scholars Program

Congratulations to the following Year 10 students who have been selected into the prestigious Monash Young Scholars Program for 2020 - an award that is offered to high achieving secondary school students. Monash University aims to give these students a unique head start into university life by providing opportunities for personal and academic development, and an exclusive opportunity to engage with Monash University during their senior schooling.

Congratulations to each of the Padua College recipients of this award, who were acknowledged this week in the College assembly. Each student was able to demonstrate excellent leadership, commitment to their studies, community engagement and high academic achievements.

Year 11 Food Studies

Ms Roser’s Year 11 Food Studies students were recently treated to a special guest appearance (albeit virtual) from food stylist, recipe writer and food product developer, Fiona Hammond. In a career spanning over 20 years, Fiona’s work has featured in over 40 cookbooks, coveted food magazines, advertising campaigns, on food packaging and online. As a food columnist Fiona worked for Sunday Life Magazine - The Age, and as a recipe developer and stylist she contributed to Gourmet Traveller magazine. She has also collaborated with the likes of Maggie Beer and George Columbaris. Last week Fiona talked to our Year 11 students about how to develop a product for the commercial market and gave them a sneak peek at the mock up cover of her new book ‘Gather’. The book, which is due for release in early November, is all about Mornington peninsula produce used in a selection of delicious recipes and we can’t wait to read it!

Year 10 Drama

Year 10 Drama students recently completed a filmed performance challenge, exploring concepts and conventions that are both theatrical and suitable for a filmed recording, for a children’s audience. Students had a choice of puppetry, monologue or storytelling. Well done to Eloise Bartrop-Braybon who chose puppetry and constructed her puppet made from materials found around her home. Eloise was inspired by ‘The Muppets’ and possibly ‘One Direction’, which was featured in her filmed performance.

You can watch the video on our Facebook page here.

Kylie Donnelly
Performing Arts Co-ordinators